Diplomats hail China's tech prowess during Shanghai tour

Over 40 foreign diplomats in China from 28 countries marveled at China's technological prowess during the inaugural 2024 Global Insights into Chinese Enterprises in Shanghai, expressing interest in strengthening cooperation.

The four-day event, which concluded on Saturday, provided a platform for Shanghai's leading enterprises to showcase their latest innovations and flagship products to the international envoys.

"Shanghai epitomizes high-end equipment production, excelling not only in aircraft manufacturing but also in the automotive and shipbuilding industries," remarked Chen Li, director-general of the Department of Foreign Affairs Management of the Foreign Ministry.

"Through field visits, you'll witness China's unwavering determination to pursue common development with all nations, confidence in delivering quality products, technologies, and services globally, and original aspiration to benefit people across the world," Chen added.

The tour commenced at the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, where diplomats toured design, research and development, gaining firsthand insights into China's commercial aircraft programs like the ARJ21 regional jet and the C919 narrow-body aircraft.

Established in 2008, COMAC showcases China's efforts to develop a globally competitive commercial aerospace industry. To date, the ARJ21 has been delivered over 130 sets across more than 150 cities worldwide, while the C919 commenced commercial operations in May 2023 with six aircraft delivered to launch customer China Eastern Airlines.

"COMAC showcased these Chinese-made aircraft at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year, including flight demonstrations. This event allowed me to experience them up close," said Chua Teng Hoe, consul general of Singapore in Shanghai. Regarding the prospect of introducing the C919, he said, "We would certainly consider quality products."